Desenvolvimento e avaliação de aplicações móveis em saúde: uma abordagem baseada em heurísticas de usabilidade e diretrizes de letramento digital em saúde

Abstract

The advancement of mobile technologies has intensified the development of digital health solutions, yet a gap persists regarding the existence of systematic design processes that integrate usability heuristics, mobile device characteristics, and digital health literacy (DHL) guidelines. This gap can compromise the user experience, hinder the comprehension of clinical information, and reduce the effectiveness of use, especially among populations with low technological familiarity or health literacy limitations. This thesis proposes a structured design process specifically for the development and evaluation of mobile health applications, as well as the creation of the mHealth Application Usability Evaluation Tool (FAU-MH), the central artifact of this thesis. The FAU-MH automates and organizes heuristic evaluation, incorporating Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and DHL criteria, thereby reducing analysis time and enhancing the rigor of evaluations compared to the traditional manual method. The IUProst application was used as a case study for the application and validation of both the design process and the FAUMH, establishing a real-world scenario that allowed for testing, comparing methods, and refining the proposed artifact. The results demonstrate that the tool and the process are capable of supporting evaluators and developers in constructing mobile solutions that are clearer, more accessible, and suitable for health self-care. The study adopts the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology as the foundation for structuring the conception, implementation, and evaluation stages. Thus, this research offers a robust and innovative methodological basis for designers, specialists, and developers, promoting the creation of more accessible, comprehensible, and efficient interfaces. This, in turn, is capable of increasing adherence, improving the user experience, and maximizing the positive impact of mobile technologies in the context of health care.